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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How is it decided that a child is on a diploma track vs a ''certificate'' track?

Also, are private placements ever done? I imagine very rarely, given these various options, and only in cases where they have messed up?[/quote]

From the MCPS website:

Maryland High School Certificate
This certificate is awarded to students with disabilities who do not meet the requirements for a diploma but who meet one of the following criteria:
1. The student is enrolled in a special education program for at least four years beyond Grade 8, or its age equivalent. The student is determined to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen, and enjoy a fulfilling life by an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Team, with agreement of the student’s parents/guardians. The world of work includes, but is not limited to, gainful employment, work activity centers, supported employment, or sheltered workshops.
2. After being enrolled in a special education program for four years beyond Grade 8, or its age equivalent, the student reached age 21. 
[i]
Private placements are rare, but not unheard of. Typically the child has to require more support than the county can provide, often due to injurious (to self or others) behaviors and intensity of support needed. The last student I knew that was placed privately was jumping out of windows at his home and the staff had to wear special jackets to work with him to prevent him from clawing their arms and torsos. The staff adored him and he could be so sweet, but the intensity of his behaviors was beyond what could be handled in a school setting with the other children.[/i][/quote]

This is ridiculous.  Most private placements won't consider kids with severe behavioral issues.  Private placement is considered when the county cannot assist your child in accessing the curriculum.  There are a population of kids with severe and complex special needs who MCPS is not equipped to help.  Severe communication issues; communication in tandem with physical disabilities that require a high degree of technological support; severe physical disabilities that affect access to the curriculum; socio-emotional disabilities.  Private placement must be considered when the county cannot meet a child's needs in any of its schools, especially in Middle Schools in MCPS, which are a one-sized-fits-all mess for special needs kids.[/quote]

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